Enhancing Students’ Engagement and Motivation: Exploring the Impact of Active Learning Approaches in Educational Settings

This investigation explores the impact of active learning approaches on student engagement and motivation in an educational context. A survey was conducted among 29 sophomore students studying petroleum engineering and taking the Formation Evaluation course during the May 2023 semester. The findings revealed that most participants expressed moderate familiarity with active learning strategies and reported frequent exposure to such methods. In terms of motivation levels, traditional lecture-based approaches fell short compared to active learning sessions, which demonstrated higher levels of motivation. The factors influencing motivation varied between the two approaches. Active learning sessions increased on student engagement with the material, while traditional lecture-based approaches provided a less pressurized environment for participation. Moreover, it was noted that weaker students leaned towards traditional lecture-based learning to draw upon their existing comprehension. The study underscores the efficacy of active learning, which is deeply rooted in constructivist theory, while emphasizing the importance of students’ fundamental grasp of the subject matter for optimal effectiveness. Educators are advised to ensure that students possess a solid knowledge foundation before incorporating active learning strategies. This research contributes to our understanding of active learning and its relationship with constructivist theory, thereby offering valuable insights for instructional practices aimed at enhancing student engagement and motivation within educational settings.